PTE reading: approaching reading and writing fill in the blanks

The PTE Reading section assesses your ability to comprehend written text and demonstrate your knowledge of vocabulary and grammar. One question type that you will encounter in this section is Reading and Writing Fill in the Blanks. This task requires you to read a passage and select the most appropriate words to complete the gaps. In this blog post, we will discuss strategies and tips to help you approach Reading and Writing Fill in the Blanks questions effectively, enabling you to maximize your score in the PTE Reading section.

Read the Entire Passage Carefully:

Before attempting to fill in the blanks, read the entire passage carefully. Understand the context, main ideas, and arguments presented in the passage. This will help you grasp the overall meaning and make more informed decisions when choosing the correct words for the gaps.

Identify Clues and Contextual Signals:

Look for clues and contextual signals in the passage that can guide you in selecting the appropriate words. Pay attention to the surrounding words, sentence structure, and the overall flow of the passage. Contextual clues can provide hints about the meaning and grammatical structure of the missing words.

Predict the Missing Words:

Based on your understanding of the passage and the context, try to predict the missing words before looking at the options. This will help you anticipate the type of word or phrase required to maintain coherence and logical flow. By making predictions, you can narrow down the options and increase your chances of selecting the correct words.

Eliminate Incorrect Options:

When you encounter the options for filling in the blanks, eliminate the ones that are grammatically incorrect or do not fit the context. Use your knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, and the overall meaning of the passage to eliminate options that do not align with the author's intended message.

Consider Grammatical Structure and Word Forms:

Pay attention to the grammatical structure and word forms used in the passage. Ensure that the words you choose to fill in the blanks maintain grammatical accuracy and consistency. Consider verb tenses, noun forms, adjectives, and adverbs to ensure coherence and logical progression in the passage.

Maintain Coherence and Logical Flow:

Ensure that the words you select to fill in the blanks maintain coherence and logical flow in the passage. The completed sentence should make sense both grammatically and contextually. Focus on maintaining the author's intended meaning and conveying the information accurately.

Practice Time Management:

Managing your time effectively is crucial in the PTE Reading section. Allocate a specific amount of time for each question, including Reading and Writing Fill in the Blanks. If you are unable to answer a question within a reasonable time, make an educated guess and move on. It is better to attempt all questions than to spend too much time on a single question and risk missing out on others.

Conclusion:

Approaching Reading and Writing Fill in the Blanks questions in the PTE Reading section requires careful reading, understanding of context, and effective elimination of incorrect options. By reading the entire passage, identifying clues, predicting missing words, eliminating incorrect options, considering grammatical structure and word forms, maintaining coherence and logical flow, and practicing time management, you can approach these questions with confidence. Regular practice and familiarity with different types of passages will also enhance your ability to successfully complete Reading and Writing Fill in the Blanks questions and excel in the PTE Reading section.